IKEA is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its beloved Swedish meatballs by introducing a new item to its menu.
On Sept. 15, the furniture retailer announced in a press release that it will be adding falafel balls to its menu nationwide, starting in early 2026.
The falafel balls will be made from chickpeas, zucchini, onions, and spices, and feature a crispy exterior. They will be served with couscous, aioli, and a slice of lemon.
This newest addition will join IKEA’s current lineup of food balls, which include the Swedish meatballs, the plant balls, and the veggie balls. Similar to the plant and veggie balls, the falafel balls will also be plant-based.
As Daniel Yngvesson, Global Food Designer at IKEA, said in a statement: “We sell flatpack furniture and round shaped food!” In fact, the retailer notes that it sells a staggering 1.4 billion food balls each year.
Yngvesson continued: ”Following the many different meatball variations introduced over the years, once we started testing recipes, we felt the falafel would be the perfect addition to the menu. The falafel has become a staple in Swedish food culture over the years, and the aromatic and nutty flavor is a beloved favorite all over the world.”